Cowboys Vs. Jags: Rookie Mazi Smith Plans ‘Violent’ Debut

Mazi Smith might not "like football.'' But football seems to like him. … a “violent” concept about to be tested in the Cowboys’ first preseason game.

ARLINGTON, Texas - Dallas Cowboys rookie nose tackle Mazi Smith claims to enjoy violence so much that it - and not some romantic love of the game - is what fuels him.

“I don’t even like football,” Mazi said at camp as part of the buildup to his Saturday debut in Saturday’s preseason opener, with the Jaguars in town for a 4 p.m. kickoff here at AT&T Stadium.  “I like hitting people.”

He will get his chance here, even after undergoing an MRI to deal with tendinitis in his knee. … with team owner Jerry Jones putting the 6-foot-3, 323-pound rookie from Michigan at the top of the list of Cowboys he wants to “see in combat.”

The Cowboys certainly liked what they saw from Smith when he was coming out of Michigan. No, a nose tackle isn't the most "sexy" pick the Cowboys could've made, but it was a needed one. … and on top of that, they believe  Stopping the role for Smith in Year 1 can be something more, that he’s got the athleticism to both absorb double-teams against the run and to be a force as a pass-rusher, too,

As we’ve said before: Mazi Smith might not "like football.'' But football seems to like him. … a “violent” concept about to be tested in this preseason game.

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